Items filtered by date: Thursday, 10 August 2017

The state of Illinois has decided to recognize the GOAT, former President Barack Obama, with his own state holiday. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed “Barack Obama Day” into law on Friday. The newest state holiday will be celebrated across Illinois on Aug. 4 (Obama’s birthday) every year, starting in 2018, NBC Chicago reports.

The holiday will be “observed throughout the State as a day set apart to honor the 44th President of the United States of America who began his career serving the People of Illinois in both the Illinois State Senate and the United States Senate, and dedicated his life to protecting the rights of Americans and building bridges across communities,” the bill states.

And as the news station notes, although several lawmakers abstained from voting on the measure, it passed both houses without a single vote against it.

The bill was originally stalled after some lawmakers had concerns about Obama’s birthday being celebrated as a legal state holiday—during which schools and state offices would close, while banks and other businesses could close but did not have to—when other Illinois presidents, like Ronald Reagan, did not have commemorative days requiring state closure. (That sounds like a personal problem to me, but this is why we can’t have nice things.)

And of course, Republicans—Rauner included—pointed at the economic cost of closing state buildings on the holiday and the impact of having the day off.

“It’s incredibly proud for Illinois that the president came from Illinois. I think it’s awesome, and I think we should celebrate it,” Rauner said back in February. “I don’t think it should be a formal holiday with paid, forced time off, but I think it should be a day of acknowledgment and celebration.”

So now Barack Obama Day will join the other commemorative days, including Ronald Reagan Day, for which workplaces do not close.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., August 8, 2017 – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) monthly Index of Small Business Optimism, released today, rose 1.6 percent in July to 105.2, a strong performance led by significant gains in hiring activity.

“Strong consumer demand is boosting small business optimism at the federal level,” said NFIB California State Executive Director Tom Scott. “Small business owners are feeling better about the economy because their customers are feeling better about the economy. This is a good trend at the national level that we hope translates to the state level here in California.”

Scott added, “Our strengthening Small Business Optimism Index comes on the heels of troubling data for California released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Their recent state-by-state report shows GDP growth in California flatlining at .1% compared to 3.9% in Texas. Small businesses in California cannot rely on national optimism alone to survive in this difficult state.”

Among the 10 components that make up the Index, seven improved, two declined, and one remained unchanged. The biggest gains were: job openings (+5); job creation plans (+4); and sales expectations (+5).

“Sixty percent of small business owners reported hiring or trying to hire in July,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Within that group, 87 percent said they had a tough time finding qualified workers. The labor market is getting very tight, and the problem is most severe in the construction and manufacturing sectors.”

Business owners cite “lack of specific skills” as the main reason they can’t find qualified workers, according to new NFIB research included in the July report. Other common reasons include: work history; social skills; wage expectations; and attitude.

Nineteen percent of small business owners listed lack of qualified workers as their number-one problem, second only to taxes.

While most of the components were strong in July, capital expenditures remained average. Capital expenditure plans dropped 2 points. Fifty-seven percent of owners made capital outlays, which was unchanged from the previous month.

“Small business owners are waiting to see what happens on tax reform before they make big capital improvements or acquisitions,” commented Scott.

Diversity on the bench is essential to achieving the promise of equal justice, yet state and federal courts do not reflect the diversity of the populations that they serve. Today, the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law and the American Bar Association Judicial Division released a new resource that provides concrete guidance on how to increase diversity among federal magistrate and bankruptcy judges.

While the federal judiciary overall has become more representative of America, magistrate and bankruptcy courts continue to lag behind. But, federal judges appoint and re-appoint individuals to those benches, so the judiciary itself can address this problem. Building A Diverse Bench: Selecting Federal Magistrate and Bankruptcy Judges analyzes the current state of judicial diversity and its value to the system, and focuses on simple changes that can strengthen the applicant pool and the candidates selected for judgeships.

The manual outlines a set of best practices recommended by an advisory committee of federal circuit court, district court, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges, as well as circuit executives, clerks of court, and other court experts. It includes suggestions for every stage of a court’s selection process, including pipeline-building, recruitment, vetting, deliberations, and voting.

“When litigants enter our courtrooms and see diverse judges and lawyers, their perceptions of our justice system will change,” writes foreword author Hon. Frank J. Bailey, a judge for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts. “Just as important, a judiciary filled with a wide array of perspectives will enrich our understanding of the communities we serve and improve our ability to fulfill the obligations and ideals that we have sworn to uphold.”

Following reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions is threatening to withhold financial support from certain cities that he believes aren’t cooperating with federal immigration agents, DNC spokesperson Vedant Patel released the following statement:

“In true form of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is taking a leading role in using blatant bullying tactics by withholding critical funds from cities struggling with gun violence that he believes are not cooperating with the Justice Department. Not only is this wrong and a clear example of political jockeying, but Sessions is threatening to deny cities like Stockton and San Bernardino crucial resources to fight crime. Instead of playing games, Sessions and the Trump Administration should be working collaboratively with local cities and law enforcement to invest in our communities and find smart solutions to crime.”

As students begin the new school year, Republic Services is encouraging parents, teachers and administrators to incorporate sustainable practices whenever possible with seven back to school tips.

“Environmental responsibility is not always top of mind when preparing to go back to school,” said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability. “When you incorporate one sustainable practice into your daily routine, you can make a lasting environmental impact. Back to school is the perfect time to start adopting better habits you and your whole family can practice.”

Republic suggests practicing these useful tips as families and schools begin the new school year:

1. Plan: Make a list before you shop for school supplies to limit impulse buying.

2. Repurpose: Before shopping for new back-to-school items, sort through old supplies. Many from last year can be reused or repurposed.

4. Reuse: Bring drinks in a thermos or reusable water bottle and be sure to recycle milk cartons, bottles or other recyclable containers.

5. Pack it Up: If packing lunch from home, use reusable containers and carry them in a reusable bag or lunch box.

6. Volunteer: Find out if your school has a recycling program, and take part. If not, team up with administrators and teachers to start a recycling program that works for your school.

7. Empty, Clean & Dry: Always make sure your recyclables are EMPTY, CLEAN and DRY before tossing them in the recycling bin.

The new school year is the perfect time to identify and minimize the impact of individual activities on the local environment. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food waste is the second largest category of municipal solid waste and is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Based on USDA calculations, approximately 31 percent of all food from home and school goes uneaten, and is eventually discarded. By incorporating sustainable practices at home and at school, parents, teachers and administrators can instill sustainable behaviors in students that can be carried forward throughout their life.

Known as the Blue Planet™ sustainability initiative, Republic Services is defining its approach to corporate social responsibility through the practices and programs outlined in its Sustainability Report. To view the latest Report, go to www.RepublicServices.com/Sustainability.

This month's upcoming African American Awareness Sub-Committee meeting will be held August 21st, 2017 at 2:00 pm -4:00 pm.

The meeting will be held at Young Visionaries Office 696 S. Tippecanoe 92408, San Bernardino CA 92408

The group will be reviewing, discussing and revising our Sub-Committee work plans for this fiscal year, July 2017 to June 2018starting with the end in mind to ensure that our goals and objectives will be outcome-focused.

We will be having a special group led discussion on how our understanding of African American history's affects our current connection to our identity and overall behavioral health: We will be focusing on the Footsteps to Freedom Experience as our framework/foundation for the conversation.

Whether you have had an opportunity to participate on the Underground Railroad or not, you will gain a wealth of inspiration and information from our community leaders panel who will share their personal experience and reflections that will lead us into forming quality objectives and goals for our work ahead for the African American Awareness Sub Committee.

Please reach out to those who you know that have been on the trip to also be in attendance and check out the Footsteps to Freedom Summary Link to get a sense of how moving this educational experience is.

Our Underground Railroad Group Members include:

Gwen Rodgers African American Awareness Sub-Committee Chair and San Bernardino School Board Member

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, Twentynine Palms, California – Searchers having been looking for 10 days for a couple who disappeared in Joshua Tree National Park with few leads or traces. Rachel Nguyen and Joseph Orbeso entered the park at approximately 6:45am on Thursday, July 27 and have not been seen or heard from since. An extensive search has been going on in the park since July 28 which has included resources from the National Park Service, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dept., Joshua Tree National Park Search and Rescue, San Bernardino County Search and Rescue, the Bureau of Land Management, Orange County Sheriff’s Dept., San Diego County Sheriff’s Dept., California Highway Patrol, Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept., US Border Patrol and the California Rescue Dog Association.

While resources have been scaled back, a special regional overhead team made up of investigators from Yosemite National Park and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park have arrived on scene as well as NPS drone specialists from the Grand Canyon. Canine teams from JOSAR are also continuing the search when the scorching temperatures will allow. Superintendent David Smith said, “Our search teams have put forth a tremendous effort for the rescue and recovery of these two young people. We can only begin to imagine just how difficult and painful this whole experience has been for the parents, family and friends of Joseph and Rachel. It has deeply affected the men and women involved in this search. Although we have had to scale back the active rescue, we continue to dedicate park resources to finding them.”

The couple’s vehicle was found at the trailhead of a popular hiking trail known as the Maze Loop. Anyone who might have been hiking or stopping in the area and recall seeing a couple in their early twenties, or having other pertinent information about the two are asked to contact San Bernardino Dispatch at 909 383-5652.

SAN BERNARDINO, California — San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is proud to present Sapira Cheuk and Andrew K. Thompson’s two-person exhibition, Grey is the Color of Theory, in the Clara and Allen Gresham Art Gallery, opening August 23rd, 2017 from 5pm to 7pm.

The exhibition, Grey is the Color of Theory, will compare and contrast two dynamically different art practices that share visual similarities. The exhibition will showcase how art made from different mediums and motivated by different concepts can share stylistic commonalities. This exhibition will showcase the capacity of style and value to unify and create conversations across divergent mediums and themes.

The opening reception for Grey is the Color of Theory will be held on August 23rd, 2017 from 5pm to 7pm. The gallery is free to the public and is located at 701 S Mt. Vernon Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92410. Please check out the Clara and Allen Gresham Art Gallery’s website for more information: www.valleycollege.edu/artgallery.

About the Artists:

Sapira Cheuk’s work revolves around issues of the body and women’s sexuality. Her practice incorporates traditional Sumi Ink painting techniques and geometric elements to depict the complexity of the subject and corporeality. Cheuk has taken part in over 50 exhibitions, including those at the Orange County Contemporary Art Center, Riverside Art Museum, Rochester Contemporary Art Museum, Wignall Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Robert & Frances Fullerton Museum of Art. She received her BA at University of California, Riverside and MFA from California State University, San Bernardino.

Andrew K. Thompson lives and works in Riverside, California. Thompson holds a MFA degree from the California State University, San Bernardino, and a BFA in Photography from the Academy of Art, San Francisco. His work has been exhibited throughout the United States including exhibitions at the AIPAD Photo Fair, Klotz Gallery in New York, Gallery 1/1 in Seattle, and two recent solo shows at the SRO Photo Gallery at Texas Tech University and C.A.C.t.T.U.S. Long BeachSan Bernardino Valley College | www.valleycollege.edu

701 S. Mount Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92410

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San Bernardino Valley College is a comprehensive community college in the heart of Southern California that provides quality education and services that support a diverse student body. A regional leader in career and technical education, San Bernardino Valley College serves over 12,000 students every semester and offers over 140 degrees, certificates and transfer programs to four-year institutions. San Bernardino Valley College is part of the San Bernardino Community College District.

On August 12, 2017, in San Bernardino the Shaw family will gather together to celebrate the 105th birthday of the family matriarch, Emma Shaw.

Emma was the 2nd born to James and Gertrude Armstrong on August 9, 1912 in Tallulah, Louisiana. Emma was raised by her aunt and uncle and attended Madison Parish Training School. Emma was not able to complete school because the family needed her to help in the cotton fields. At the tender age of 15 she met the love of her life, George Bernard Shaw.

Emma and George were married on February 6, 1929 and to this union God blessed them with 13 children; six sons, five daughters and two children who died at birth. Six of their children; Cleveland, Luretha, Johnny B, Joyce, Wiley and Mary were born in Tallulah. Emma and George were married for 62 years until he passed away.

In 1942 George saw potential for advancement by moving his family from Louisiana to Las Vegas, Nevada. While in Las Vegas, Emma was an employee at the El Rancho and Frontier hotels. Emma gave birth to Donell and Ronell before leaving Nevada in 1944.

As times began to change, George had the foresight again to relocate his family to San Bernardino, California in 1944. Emma began working in private homes as a maid. She then found new employment at Norton Air Force Base. After leaving Norton, Emma began doing seasonal work at the National Orange Show. Once the seasonal work was done, Emma found employment in Palm Springs where she worked for 16 years. While in California Barbara, Vernon and Valerie were born.

Though their resources were limited, that did not prevent Emma from sharing with those who were even less fortunate whenever they stopped by. She is an excellent cook and is known for her homemade biscuits, fried chicken and her peach cobbler.

Emma joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend David Campbell. After the passing of Reverend Campbell, Mother Shaw changed her membership to Greater New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, which was then under the leadership of Elder Herbert C. Pugh. Mother Shaw grew spiritually at Greater New Jerusalem where she became the Church Mother. She served as Church Mother for over 40 years and in recognition for this service Mother Shaw was appointed Church Mother Emeritus.

Everyone who knows Mother Shaw has heard her testimony and can repeat it verbatim as she starts to say…”Early one Saturday morning I was in my bathroom when I heard a loud voice saying, ‘Be ready, I’m on My way back’…” and from that time to this day, Mother Emma tells everyone that she encounters to be ready, the Lord is on His way back.

Emma Shaw is a legend living to celebrate her 105th year of life here on this earth. She is still so full of wisdom, discernment, encouragement and honesty. She has a no nonsense attitude when ‘stuff ain’t right’, and she will speak her mind and let you know. When you hear ‘now looka here’, you know something of importance is about to follow.

The matriarch of six generations Emma has 6 living children, and well over 300 grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and great great great grandchildren.